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Why STEM?

  • What is STEM?
    STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
  • Why STEM?
    The need for teachers trained in STEM curriculum has been a focal point of many articles, presentation, and speeches by politicians and leaders in the different science fields. Locally, all of the ten Long Island superintendents with whom STEM preparation for elementary school teachers was discussed were enthusiastic about such a program because teachers with STEM knowledge are exactly the type of people they are searching for.
  • STEM in Action (Please click here to view photos of current and past STEM students.)
  • What benefits do graduates experience from having completed this degree?

    • “The STEM program prepared me for my career and gave me the practical experience I needed to assess student data.  I can now create cohesive, experience-based units, which is so useful in today’s educational climate of common core curriculum and the demands it places on educators.”
    • “I struggled with mathematics as a student, but when I took the STEM math class, a light bulb went off!  This class made me a better teacher and the design aspect of the program makes math fun for me and my students.”
    • “I developed a new passion for the content and now know how to use that passion to better my students’ understanding of the STEM curriculum.”
    • “I am grateful to have been a part of this program, because it gave me the foundation to be a successful teacher and leader in my school.” - JC ‘07
    • “As a graduate student in this program you learn the art of inquiry and how it can successfully drive your instruction.” -  DC ‘03
    • “The value is at the end of the experience; you will have abilities and understanding far greater than that of your colleagues.”  - MY ‘04
    • “Because I was encouraged to take academic risks as an STEM student, I was able to instill that quest for knowledge in my students. I am a better teacher as a result of that experience.” - JG‘07
    • “After this program I am confident that I am prepared to create meaningful learning experiences for my students by integrating design with not only math and science but ELA and social studies as well.”
    •  “The STEM program taught me the skills that schools are now just exploring.  I have added many components to my teaching that I learned through the STEM program. These components are aligned with the new Common Core Standards.”  - JG ‘07
    • “The value is that at the end of the experience you will have abilities and understanding far greater than that of your colleagues.  It not that you are better, but you have a different viewpoint about how to go about solving a problem and [have] the skills needed to work with others to achieve a goal.” -  MZ ‘04
  • What have program graduates done with this degree?

    • “Going through the Hofstra’s STEM Master’s Degree program led to multiple job offers as science specialist, math specialist, and math district wide professional developer.”  - RM ‘99
    • “I feel that without the STEM program, I could never have landed the job I did.  Because of my STEM  background I was selected for an Institute of Leadership in Mathematics and Technology upon completion was considered a “math leader” in my school building.” - CR ‘04